Jude
Introduction
Jude calls believers to contend for the faith entrusted to God’s people. He identifies himself as James’s brother and is traditionally understood to be a brother of Jesus. The letter responds to intruders who misuse grace to excuse immorality and deny the Lord.
Drawing on examples of rebellion and judgment, Jude exposes the danger of corrupt teaching. He urges believers to remember the apostles’ warnings, grow in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, show mercy, and trust God to keep them.
Read the full book of Jude in the Amplified Bible (AMP)Chapter 1
Contending for the Faith and Trusting God’s Keeping Power
Read chapter 1 (AMP)Jude greets those called, loved, and kept by God. He urges them to defend the faith because ungodly intruders have distorted grace and denied Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:1–4).
Examples involving unbelief, rebellious angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah warn of judgment. Jude also recalls Michael, Cain, Balaam, Korah, and Enoch as he exposes arrogance, greed, and corrupt conduct. (Jude 1:5–16).
Believers should remember the apostles’ warnings, build themselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God’s love, and await Christ’s mercy. They must show mercy to those who doubt and seek to rescue others while guarding against sin. (Jude 1:17–23).
Jude closes by praising God, who is able to keep His people from stumbling and present them faultless before His glory with great joy. (Jude 1:24–25).
Key Takeaways
- The faith entrusted to the church must be guarded.
- God’s grace must never become an excuse for sin.
- Discernment should be joined with mercy toward those in danger.
- God is able to keep His people and bring them into His presence.
Historical background: Jude introduction, ESV Global Study Bible.